Sketch foretells topless Toyota 86

By releasing the accompanying teaser sketch, Toyota has confirmed what the motoring rumour mill has been speculating all along - that Toyota is working on an open-top version of its 86 coupé.

Toyota is already conducting engineering tests on a prototype and the company will use the Geneva Motor Show, in early March this year, to gauge public reaction to the idea of an 86 drop-top.

It remains to be seen what Toyota will be doing on the engine front. Many enthusiasts have complained about the rear-wheel drive 86 coupé being underpowered - its only power source at this stage being a 147kW 2-litre flat-four.

The structural reinforcements required by a roof-chop will inevitably make the car heavier, blunting its performance potential even further.